Nature

Zimne Wody in Busko-Zdrój

On the edge of Busko-Zdrój, off Stawowa Street right by the village of Łagiewniki, the Nida region reveals its geological peculiarity: hills of exposed gypsum, cut through by karst crevices known as “swallow tails”. This is Zimne Wody — a site whose name comes directly from the outflows of cold water from the gypsum.

The gypsum karst of Ponidzie

The main asset of the place are the geological exposures of gypsum with karst phenomena — a rare sight on a national scale, reminding us that beneath the treeless hills of Ponidzie lies a raw, mineral world. Xerothermic vegetation grows on the hills, and information boards describe the local species of animals and plants. The water that flows out here is praised as tasty and refreshing on hot days.

A tower above the hills

Ropes make the climb to the hills easier, and a wooden viewing tower lets you take in the whole area; picnic shelters stand at its foot. The site is open around the clock, all year round, and admission is free. The place has been proposed for legal protection as a planned nature reserve — all the more reason to keep it tidy and stay on the paths.

In practice

From the road with the signpost to the reserve you walk on foot about 600 m. After your visit, head back to the centre of Busko: the Spa Park is 2.6 km away, and the famous Marconi sanatorium 2.7 km. For further trips choose Wiślica (about 15 km) or Szydłów with its medieval walls (22.5 km).